Cultivate in association with EASCA are holding a range of Green Building workshops and courses in the new year that you might be interested in. 
 All courses are held at Cultivate Centre, Temple Bar, Dublin  and can be booked by calling: 01-6745773
 Green Building Course 2009
 Wednesday evenings | 7pm | 28 Jan 09 - 4 March 09 | €180 
 10% discount for EASCA and Cultivate Members  
 This six week course for architects, engineers and developers explores the key principles of creating energy efficient and sustainable buildings.  These include method of building, choice of materials, renewable energy options and renovations.  Participants will learn about factors that increase energy efficiency, requirements of Part L of the building regulations and options available to build an A rated home. 
 Speakers include: Pariac Davis - MCO Environment, Niall Crossan - Ecological Building Systems, Mike Haslam - Solearth Architecture and Joseph Little - Joseph Little Architects, Patrick Duffy - NICER Training
 More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/green_building_course_09.html
 
 
 Solar Water Heating 
 Solar Water Heating course for architects and engineers with Quentin Gargin 
 Monday 2 Feb 7pm - 9pm & Tuesday 3 Feb  7pm - 9pm | €60
 10% discount for EASCA and Cultivate members 
 Solar water heating is fast becoming an integral part of house design. Quite apart from the need for Part L compliance, for a long time prices of equipment have been falling while energy costs have risen, and solar water heating is now a cost-effective source of renewable energy in any new home. 
 The course (run over two evenings) will explore the pros and cons of different systems – flatplates, vacuum tubes, vacuum flasks, and various options for installation and plumbing, enabling architects and engineers to design and specify safe and effective solar water heating systems.
 More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/solar_water_heating_09.html
 Basic Domestic Energy Auditing
 Sunday 8 February 09 | 10am - 5pm | €120  
 10% discount for Cultivate & ÉASCA Members 
 This comprehensive one day energy-auditing workshop with Andy Wilson will enable course participants to carry out their own energy audits up to the standard used in the Building Regulation Technical Guidance Document 'L'. The workshop will cover a wide range of conventional and alternative building materials, and will examine the energy relationship between the different components of a building.
 More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/basic_domesite_energy_auditing_3.html
 Introduction to Low Cost Design and Construction
 Want to build a home for €20,000? Workshop with Andy Wilson
 Sunday 22 February 2009 | 10am - 5pm | €95  
 10% discount for Cultivate & ÉASCA Members   
 This one day theoretical workshop with Andy Wilson will look at simple house design and construction, with the emphasis on very low cost construction using natural and recycled materials. The starting point is the premise that a home should be affordable, pleasant to live in, and should have the lowest possible environmental impact. This course is particularly aimed at young people who want to build an ultra-low cost mortgage-free home in a rural area.
 More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/intro_low_cost_construction.html
 Introduction to Wind, Micro-Hydro and Solar PV
 Domestic Electricity Production with Quentin Gargin 
 Wed 11 March 7pm - 9pm & Thurs 12 March 7pm - 9pm | €60
 10% discount for EASCA and Cultivate members
 This course (two evenings) explores the various options available for creating your own electricity. The primary fuel used to produce electricity at the power station can be as much as three times the power you get from your socket. That's why Part L of the building regulations requires 10kw/m2 solar heating, or just 4kwhr/m2 for electricity production. 
 Producing clean electricity may be feasible in many one-off houses in Ireland, and this course will discuss how to unlock this untapped potential.
 
 More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/intro_wind_energy_microhydro_solarpv.html 
  
 DIY Solar Thermal Workshop
 How to make your own high performance solar panel with Andy Wilson
 Sunday 5th April 2009 | 10am - 5pm | €120
 10% discount for EASCA and Cultivate members
 This workshop will look at how to make a high quality solar thermal panel out of recycled materials. Contrary to popular perception, solar panels are not hard to make and the basic materials may cost as little as €50.00. The type of panel featured in this workshop has the capability to heat water to 50 degrees Celsius as early in the year as February and to over 70 degrees on a regular basis during the summer. 
 By the end of the workshop, a fully operational (and very professional looking) solar panel will have been built, weather- proofed, mounted and plumbed in.  This workshop is aimed at people with little or no previous experience who want to learn how to make their own solar panel.  
 
 More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/diy_solar_thermal_workshop_feb_09.html